The Founders’ Conference 2026.
Where potential became purpose.
In partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Zambia’s next generation of founders, innovators and change-makers gathered on one national stage — one day of ideas, institutions and enterprise, from education to enterprise activation.
The conference has concluded. Thank you to every delegate, speaker, partner and exhibitor who made the day possible.
The conference ends. The work begins.
National participation. Zambia's future founders under one roof.
A national platform for the next generation of builders.
Vision
To convene Zambia's most ambitious students, young founders and leaders in conversations that shape the country's — and Africa's — future.
Mission
Inspire the next generation of African leaders, connect students with accomplished professionals, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Objectives
- Inspire the next generation of African leaders
- Identify and elevate promising founders and student-led ventures
- Connect students with accomplished professionals
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
- Facilitate strategic partnerships
- Bridge the gap between academia and industry
- Create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration
One day. One national stage.
The Founders Conference
The main conference session — a national convening of students, founders, professionals and industry leaders inside the Multipurpose Hall.
- → Keynote Addresses
- → Founder Stories
- → Entrepreneurship Sessions
- → Leadership Talks
- → Innovation Conversations
- → Career Development Discussions
- → Student Empowerment Sessions
- → Networking Opportunities
- → Institutional Opportunity Addresses
The Founders Conference closes the day inside the Multipurpose Hall at Mulungushi University.
Walk in with potential. Walk out with purpose.
Meet founders, students and leaders from across Zambia under one roof.
Learn from established entrepreneurs building real ventures on the continent.
Be moved by stories of grit, vision and impact from Africa's boldest builders.
Direct exposure to industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners.
Encounter ideas, products and ventures shaping the next decade.
Spark collaborations across institutions, organisations and sectors.
The voices on stage.
Ten confirmed voices across enterprise, technology, leadership, impact and access.
View all speakers
Edwin Mekaddishkem Kapesa
Founder and CEO of Chroma Pixel Games, one of Zambia's pioneering video game development studios. 2022 IGAs Best Game Developer in Africa, Vice Chairman of the Content Creators & Gamers Association of Zambia, and IGDA Special Interest Group Lead for Southern Africa.
Melody Chisanga
Founder of Thrive Aid, development practitioner, entrepreneur and champion of youth empowerment who has reached more than 8,000 young people across Zambia.
Bosworth Bulawayo
Manager of the Dr. Rozious Siatwambo Foundation, General Clinical Officer, youth empowerment leader, founder of S.H.I.N.E., host of Man By Nature Podcast, minister of the gospel, speaker, entrepreneur and creative.
Lesa Jr Lesa
Zambian global speaker, communication and marketing expert, brand strategist and youth development specialist known by his tagline “I Remain Lesa Lesa” — helping young people understand the power of communication, leadership, identity, mindset and personal brand.
Dixon Young Mutambo
Known as The Governor — former UNZASU President and 2026 Kitwe Mayoral candidate, and a leading voice on youth leadership and national development.
Franklin Nkhowani
Zambian economist, author, transformative speaker and leadership coach — founder of FNK Global Impact and VoiceVision Academy, and author of The Process of Becoming.
Alinase Nyirenda
Zambian cloud security engineer, cybersecurity researcher, technology entrepreneur and founder of AliTech Zambia (a Google Cloud Partner). GDG Lusaka Lead, WomenTech Network Global Ambassador and WiCyS mentor, recognised as a Huawei ICT Competition Cloud Track Winner and nominated for the Women in Tech Global Awards.
Wendy Simakoma
Zambian social entrepreneur, mental health advocate and psychosocial counsellor, best known as the Founder of SHE MOVES Organisation.
Jasper Kasamba
Agribusiness entrepreneur and sustainability champion with over six years of experience driving innovation in agriculture, forestry and environmental conservation.
Charlton Namatama Moono
Author, speaker and founder of The I Am Becoming Foundation, helping young people discover identity, purpose and direction.
The official TFC•26 programme.
Follow the strategic journey from education and mindset to enterprise, institutional access and action. Every movement is timed and connected through to the official close at 17:00.
View Official Programme Event OperationsOfficial close · 17:00
Multipurpose Hall · Mulungushi University, Kabwe.
The Founders Conference 2026 was hosted inside the Multipurpose Hall at Mulungushi University in Kabwe, Central Province — a fitting setting for a national gathering of students, founders and leaders shaping Zambia's future.
Directions, accreditation and arrival details were shared with all confirmed delegates ahead of the event.
The conference ends. The work begins.
On Friday, 25 September 2026, THE FORGE brought together ambitious young people, startup founders, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, ecosystem builders, industry leaders and change-makers from across Zambia and beyond.
Whether you were building a startup, exploring entrepreneurship, advancing your career, leading a community initiative, developing innovative solutions or seeking meaningful connections — TFC26 was designed for you.
- → Keynote addresses and founder stories
- → Institutional opportunity addresses from SEC, Mulungushi University, PACRA and CEEC
- → Exhibition showcases from innovators and ecosystem builders
- → A national network of students, founders and professionals
Registration for TFC26 is closed. Watch this space for future editions and upcoming THE FORGE events.
Zero ticket fee. 100% free entry.
The Founders Conference 2026 was officially a FREE ENTRY event. There was no cost to attend — the main conference was open at no charge to all confirmed delegates at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe.
Attendance was open to:
- ● University Students
- ● College Students
- ● Secondary School Students
- ● Entrepreneurs
- ● Professionals
- ● Startups
- ● Organizations
- ● Institutions
- ● General Delegates
Seats were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for TFC26 is now closed.
View the Official ProgrammeMeet the exhibitors.
Innovators, startups and organisations showcasing their work, products and services at TFC26.
I Am Becoming Foundation
Becoming Today for a Better Tomorrow — youth development and empowerment.
B-net Innovations Ltd
Technology and digital innovation solutions.
EcoSoils AgriTech Solution
Climate-smart agriculture and agritech innovation.
AfriRide
Smart mobility solutions connecting people and places across Africa. Move Smarter.
Kuwana Development Initiative (KDI)
Advancing education and community development.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Official Title Partner of THE FOUNDERS’ CONFERENCE 2026.
Read the announcementZambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Official Title Partner of THE FOUNDERS’ CONFERENCE 2026.
Meet the partners.
Organisations and institutions powering The Founders Conference 2026 and enabling the next generation of founders.
The Dr. Rozious Siatwambo Foundation
Community upliftment and youth development.
VisionQuest EduSystems Limited
The Engine of Smarter Education.
LEAD Foundation
A Woman Belongs Everywhere — championing women's leadership and inclusion.
Voice of Influence Zambia
Amplifying voices that shape influence and change across Zambia.
Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission
Empowering Zambian citizens through economic participation and entrepreneurship.
Wallace Supermarket
Your Home of Quality and Affordability — serving Zambian communities with quality goods at affordable prices.
NAPSA
National Pension Scheme Authority — securing the future of every Zambian worker.
FINCA
Pioneering financial inclusion and microfinance solutions for Zambian communities.
Zambia Revenue Authority
My Tax, Your Tax, Our Destiny — driving national development through revenue collection.
Thrive Aid
Transforming Lives — empowering communities to thrive beyond aid.
SHE MOVES
Championing the movement of women and girls across every space they belong.
BongoHive
Zambia's leading technology and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs.
PACRA
Patents and Companies Registration Agency — formalising and protecting Zambian enterprise.
DB
Partnering to advance youth enterprise and leadership across Zambia.
Put your brand behind Zambia’s next founders.
Partner with The Founders Conference 2026 for national youth engagement, brand visibility, talent access and measurable social impact.
Things to know.
When and where is the conference?+
Friday, 25 September 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe — Central Province, Zambia.
Is the event in-person or online?+
TFC26 is an in-person event held at the Multipurpose Hall, Mulungushi University, Kabwe. Confirmed delegates attend physically on the day.
Who can attend?+
University, college and senior secondary students, entrepreneurs, professionals, startups, organisations, institutions and general delegates from across Zambia and beyond.
How much does it cost to attend?+
The Founders Conference 2026 was a FREE ENTRY event. There was no ticket fee — attendance was completely free for all confirmed delegates.
Can I still register?+
TFC26 took place on Friday, 25 September 2026 and registration is now closed. Explore the official programme and speaker line-up online, and watch this space for future editions.
Where can I see the full agenda?+
The official TFC•26 executive programme is available online and as downloadable A4, A5 and one-page editions.